Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT)

SRT is an advanced and highly focused radiation treatment technique that delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissues. There are different variations of SRT, including:

  1. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Originally developed to treat brain tumors and other neurological conditions, SRS uses extremely focused beams of radiation to deliver a high dose in a single session. It is sometimes referred to as "radiosurgery" because of its precision. SRS is also used for benign tumors and certain noncancerous neurologic conditions.
  2. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT, sometimes called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), extends the principles of SRS to treat tumors located outside the brain, typically in areas like the lungs, spine, prostate, pancreas, adrenal glands, or liver. SBRT delivers high-dose radiation over several treatment sessions, often given every other day.

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by allowing for the effective treatment of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It offers hope and improved outcomes for patients with various types of cancer, including those that were previously considered difficult to treat or inoperable.

Key features and benefits of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy include:

Precision

SRT utilizes highly precise and focused radiation beams, allowing for the delivery of very high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. This precision is achieved through advanced imaging and treatment planning techniques.

Shorter Treatment Course

SRT can offer a shorter treatment duration compared to conventional radiation therapy, as it often requires fewer sessions to achieve the desired radiation dose.

Tumor Retreatment

In some cases, SRT can be used to re-treat tumors that have previously received radiation therapy, thanks to its ability to deliver higher doses in a localized manner.

Minimal Side Effects

Due to the focused nature of SRT, there is often a reduced risk of side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy. Patients may experience fewer treatment-related complications.

Secure Immobilization

SRT treatments require secure immobilization of the patient's head or body to ensure accurate and consistent radiation delivery.

Motion Management

To account for organ motion during treatment, special techniques and technologies are used to adapt the radiation beam's delivery in real-time, ensuring that the tumor remains in the target area.

Quality Assurance

Given the high doses and precision involved, quality assurance measures are essential in SRT to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

Different Machines

There are various machines capable of delivering SRT, each designed for specific treatment sites. Your radiation oncologist will determine which machine is best suited for your particular case.